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Hydroclimatic extremes threaten groundwater quality and stability

Author

Listed:
  • Simon A. Schroeter

    (Max Planck Institute for Biogeochemistry)

  • Alice May Orme

    (Max Planck Institute for Biogeochemistry)

  • Katharina Lehmann

    (Friedrich Schiller University)

  • Robert Lehmann

    (Friedrich Schiller University)

  • Narendrakumar M. Chaudhari

    (Friedrich Schiller University
    German Centre for Integrative Biodiversity Research (iDiv) Halle-Jena-Leipzig)

  • Kirsten Küsel

    (Friedrich Schiller University
    German Centre for Integrative Biodiversity Research (iDiv) Halle-Jena-Leipzig
    Friedrich Schiller University)

  • He Wang

    (Friedrich Schiller University)

  • Anke Hildebrandt

    (German Centre for Integrative Biodiversity Research (iDiv) Halle-Jena-Leipzig
    Helmholtz-Centre for Environmental Science – UFZ
    Friedrich Schiller University)

  • Kai Uwe Totsche

    (Friedrich Schiller University
    Friedrich Schiller University)

  • Susan Trumbore

    (Max Planck Institute for Biogeochemistry)

  • Gerd Gleixner

    (Max Planck Institute for Biogeochemistry)

Abstract

Heavy precipitation, drought, and other hydroclimatic extremes occur more frequently than in the past climate reference period (1961–1990). Given their strong effect on groundwater recharge dynamics, these phenomena increase the vulnerability of groundwater quantity and quality. Over the course of the past decade, we have documented changes in the composition of dissolved organic matter in groundwater. We show that fractions of ingressing surface-derived organic molecules increased significantly as groundwater levels declined, whereas concentrations of dissolved organic carbon remained constant. Molecular composition changeover was accelerated following 2018’s extreme summer drought. These findings demonstrate that hydroclimatic extremes promote rapid transport between surface ecosystems and groundwaters, thereby enabling xenobiotic substances to evade microbial processing, accrue in greater abundance in groundwater, and potentially compromise the safe nature of these potable water sources. Groundwater quality is far more vulnerable to the impact of recent climate anomalies than is currently recognized, and the molecular composition of dissolved organic matter can be used as a comprehensive indicator for groundwater quality deterioration.

Suggested Citation

  • Simon A. Schroeter & Alice May Orme & Katharina Lehmann & Robert Lehmann & Narendrakumar M. Chaudhari & Kirsten Küsel & He Wang & Anke Hildebrandt & Kai Uwe Totsche & Susan Trumbore & Gerd Gleixner, 2025. "Hydroclimatic extremes threaten groundwater quality and stability," Nature Communications, Nature, vol. 16(1), pages 1-9, December.
    • Handle: RePEc:nat:natcom:v:16:y:2025:i:1:d:10.1038_s41467-025-55890-2
    DOI: 10.1038/s41467-025-55890-2
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    References listed on IDEAS

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